Polo Ralph Lauren makes shirts in several fits and fabrics. Knowing which is which matters - get it right and you'll wear it for years. This guide covers what Blowes stocks: Oxford, Linen, Poplin, Plain and Striped shirts, plus the Big & Tall range up to 9XL.
What are the Polo Ralph Lauren shirt fits?
Classic Fit is the original. Fuller through the chest and waist, lower armhole, longer sleeve. Comfortable, works tucked or untucked, suits most builds. The everyday choice.
Custom Fit is trimmer - a more modern shape without being restrictive. Works across most occasions, from a casual Friday to a smart dinner. For most men this is the most useful shirt in the range.
Slim Fit is the most fitted cut. Higher armhole, tapered through the chest and waist. Better suited to slimmer builds or dressier occasions. Some Slim styles include 2% elastane alongside the cotton, which adds a bit of give.
How do Classic and Custom Fit compare?
The numbers are the clearest way to see the difference. A Medium in Custom Fit has a 112cm chest. The same size in Classic Fit is 117cm - 5cm more room in the same label. By XL that gap is similar: Custom 129.5cm, Classic 134.5cm.
Classic is the easier, more relaxed shirt. Custom looks sharper without restricting movement. If you're between the two, Custom Fit works better tucked in. Classic is better untucked.
Custom Fit Shirts
Classic Fit Shirts
What fabrics does Blowes stock?
Oxford is the core of the range. A basket-weave cotton that's textured, durable and softens with every wash. Sharp enough for work under a jacket, relaxed enough for a weekend untucked. Available in solids, stripes and checks across Classic and Custom Fit.
Linen is the warm weather shirt. Lightweight, breathable, wrinkles as you wear it - that's part of the look. Available in Classic and Relaxed Fit across solid colours and stripes.
Poplin is smoother and crisper than Oxford. A tighter weave, lighter feel, more polished finish. The right choice for the office or anywhere you need the shirt to read as smarter. Poplin Stretch styles add a small amount of elastane for comfort through a full day.
The Big & Tall range
This is where Blowes is genuinely different. Standard Polo Ralph Lauren shirts go to 2XL. The Big & Tall range starts where those leave off - and it's proportioned differently throughout. Wider chest, longer torso, longer sleeves. It's not just a bigger standard shirt.
Big sizes (1XB, 2XB, 3XB upward) are for broader builds. Tall sizes (LT, XLT, 2XLT, 3XLT, 4XLT) are for taller frames where torso and sleeve length is the issue. Some men need both.
Blowes is the only Australian retailer with access to the full global Ralph Lauren catalogue. The Big & Tall range goes to 9XL - well beyond what most Australian retailers carry, including Ralph Lauren's own local site.
Big & Tall Oxford Shirts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Polo Ralph Lauren shirts run small?
Classic Fit is generous - if between sizes, go down. Custom and Slim run closer to standard sizing, stay true to size.
Do they shrink?
Wash cold, tumble dry low or hang dry and they'll hold their shape. Hot water and a hot dryer can cause some shrinkage in cotton shirts.
Where can I buy Polo Ralph Lauren Big & Tall shirts in Australia?
Blowes Clothing stocks the range up to 9XL online and in-store at Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Mudgee and Dubbo.
What's the difference between LT and XL?
XL is wider but the same proportional length. LT (Large Tall) is longer through the torso and sleeve. If standard shirts ride up or have short sleeves, LT is the right choice - not a larger number size.
Free shipping over $150.
Online and In-store at Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Mudgee and Dubbo.